SCENE SEVEN: THE SPRING BALL
Establishing Photograph: a grand banquet hall
(The dance is in full swing. CLAUDIA stands with a beautiful woman.)
[Beautiful woman:]
Such a pretty little girl. How old are you, darling?
[Claudia:]
Forty.
(THE WOMAN looks shocked at first, then she laughs loudly.)
[Beautiful woman:]
What a cute sense of humor! How old are you really?
[Claudia:]
[with difficulty] I'm… ten.
[Beautiful woman:]
In a few more years, when you've blossomed in just the right places, you'll have every man here fighting for a dance with you.
(CLAUDIA just glares at her.)
But not with such a sour face. Show me a smile. Can you show me a smile?
(CLAUDIA looks like she's about to kill her. LOUIS steps in to save her.)
[Louis:]
There you are, Claudia.
[Beautiful woman:]
And who is this handsome gentleman? Your papa?
[Claudia:]
[flat] Uncle.
[Beautiful woman:]
[suddenly interested] Oh… your uncle.
[Louis:]
Claudia's parents passed away years ago.
(THE WOMAN beckons to him to come closer. He leans in. She whispers seductively.)
[Beautiful woman:]
Let me tell you a secret. There is nothing more attractive than a man raising a child on his own.
(Angry and jealous, CLAUDIA turns on her heel and goes out onto the balcony. She stands for a moment, looking back in… watching THE WOMAN flirt with LOUIS, watching the people laughing and dancing and kissing. All alone, she gives voice to her pain.)
Song: I'll Never Have That Chance
[Claudia:]
I have spent so many years in fancy lace and beaded gowns
I have set my hair a hundred ways
My face, I've painted up and powdered down
This body bears a telling tale; they pinch my cheek and wish me well
For all their patronizing smiles
This frame remains a prison cell
They look at me and what they see is one more painted china doll
A sweet and coddled daughter with
A painted fan, a sweet treat and a parasol
Inside of me there lives someone who could have been somebody's wife
Who could have seen their children grow, who could have had a normal life
Who could have fiercely loved a man and felt his kisses deep and moist
Instead I give this kiss of death and in this I have no choice
Imagine walking down the aisle
I'll never have that chance
A wedding dress of virgin white
The very best from France
A cottage in the country
The pleasures of romance
Sunlight playing on my skin
I'll never have that chance
Oh no I'll never have that chance
They glide around society swans with slim long necks and perfect breasts
While I remain the frozen child
A baby bird without the wings to leave her nest
This body bares a telling tale; they pinch my cheek and wish me well
For all their patronizing smiles
This frame remains a prison cell
The mirror with its cruel laugh reflects this ageless face of mine
In taunting ways as if to say
Childhood is not something you can leave behind
Inside of me there lives someone who never felt a mother's love
Who could have heard the bells on Sunday peeling in the church of God
Who would have loved a rainy day and never had to fear the fire
Instead I hunger for the vein that holds the life force I desire
The pleasures of fine wines and dining
I'll never have that chance
The taste of chocolate and champagne
The very best from France
The arching of a rainbow
And the way the colors dance
The miracle of giving birth
I'll never have that chance
(Behind her, LESTAT emerges from the shadows. He has heard every word. His face reflects the pain and guilt he feels. He slips silently away.)
Imagine walking down the aisle
I'll never have that chance
A wedding dress of virgin white
The very best from France
A cottage in the country
The pleasures of romance
Sunlight playing on my skin
I'll never have that chance
Oh no I'll never have that chance
I'll never have that chance
(LOUIS comes out onto the balcony.)
[Louis:]
I'm sorry, Claudia. That woman was impossible.
[Claudia:]
Louis. I want you to stay out tonight.
[Louis:]
Out?
[Claudia:]
Away from the townhouse.
[Louis:]
Why?
[Claudia:]
I am feeling badly about the things I said to Lestat. I want to spend some time with him – to make amends.
[Louis:]
[unsure of her motives] Claudia?
[Claudia:]
Stay out tonight.
(She brushes past him and goes inside as the set transforms to the townhouse.)